Master of Arts in Theater

Master of Arts students prepare for careers in the professional theater and education, or for further pursuit of graduate study. The MA degree program is a broad-based advanced study in the literature and critical analysis of theater, with the opportunity to focus in a specialized content track of the student’s choice.

OUTLINE OF REQUIREMENTS AND OBJECTIVES

Admission Requirements: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and strong academic record (demonstrated via transcript), statement of study objectives, and three letters of recommendation (see the Graduate School website for specific procedures). There is no specific undergraduate major required, although a background in drama is helpful.

Requirements for Degree: The MA requires 30 hours for completion with at least a 3.0 grade average at completion. The degree content includes 15 hours of required course work, 6 hours of specialized focus, and 9 hours of master’s project or thesis writing.

All MA students must take the following courses (with required credit hours in parentheses):

THTR 425: Development of Theater I (3)

THTR 426: Development of Theater II (3)

THTR 427: American Drama (3)

THTR 429: Modern and Contemporary Drama (3)

THTR 501: Dramatic Text Analysis (3)

Students must select two courses from specific interest course tracks for a total of (6). The two course sequence must have the approval of the advisor/department. Examples might be (but are not limited to):

Directing (taking THTR 430 and 431)

Dramatic Writing (taking THTR 412 and 414, or 412 and 416)

Individualized Focus (two graduate-level courses or focused independent studies in a departmental or non-departmental sequence approved by the advisor and Department of Theater)

Finally, students must take THTR 644: MA Project/Thesis (9). The project or thesis must be agreed upon with the student’s advisor and have the approval of the Department of Theater.